Living with a pet while facing emergency housing can be stressful. If you are a tenant in Scotland, you have rights and options when you, your household and your pet need temporary accommodation because of eviction, unsafe conditions, or urgent landlord action. This page explains what local councils and landlords must consider, how Scottish tenancy law and homelessness duties may affect pet accommodation, and practical steps to secure safe temporary housing for both you and your animal. It uses plain language and points to official forms and tribunals so you can act quickly and confidently, whether you need immediate shelter, a temporary foster solution, or to appeal a decision.
What the law says
Scotland’s residential tenancy framework is governed by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and related homeless duties on councils. The Act creates protections for tenants and sets out grounds for eviction and what a landlord must do before asking you to leave. Local councils also have duties to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households and to consider individual circumstances such as keeping a pet.
Emergency housing and pets
If you and your pet need emergency housing, contact your local council housing options or homelessness team immediately. Many councils can offer temporary arrangements or work with partners to keep owners and pets together, but available options vary by area. Start the process early, explain your pet’s needs, and request reasonable accommodation where possible.[1]
- Call your local council housing options team as soon as you know you may be homeless and explain that you have a pet.
- Document damage, vet records and any injuries, and take dated photos to show the council why your household needs rehousing with the pet.
- Submit a homelessness application to your council and keep copies of any forms or emails you send.
- Ask the council for pet-friendly temporary accommodation or a written reasonable accommodation plan if a hostel or unit initially appears unsuitable.
Official forms and how to use them
There is no single national homelessness form in Scotland; most councils use their own homelessness application forms and guidance. When you contact the council, ask which local form you must complete and whether you can submit supporting evidence by email or online. Provide clear information about your pet, including size, behaviour and any welfare needs.
- Homelessness application (local authority form – no single national form number). Example: you phone the council, they email you a local form to complete and you attach a vet letter and photos to support your request for pet-friendly temporary housing.[1]
- First-tier Tribunal application forms (Housing and Property Chamber). Use these forms if you need to challenge a landlord decision about eviction or a council decision about rehousing; follow the tribunal guidance on required evidence and service.[2]
Applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
If a council refuses help or a landlord serves a notice to leave and you cannot agree a solution, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber). The tribunal handles disputes about possession, deposits and certain landlord obligations. Before applying, gather tenancy agreements, notice letters, correspondence with the council, and any pet-related evidence such as vet letters or behaviour assessments.
FAQ
- Can I keep my pet in temporary council accommodation?
- Councils must consider your circumstances and may offer pet-friendly options, but availability varies; ask for a written explanation if no suitable option is offered.
- What if my landlord says pets are banned in the tenancy?
- Blanket bans may be unreasonable in some cases; raise the issue with your council and seek advice, and keep records of any communications about the pet.
- How quickly should I act if eviction is possible?
- Contact your council and get your homelessness application started immediately, keep evidence and, if needed, start a tribunal application without delay.
How-To
- Call your local council housing options team and say you are at risk of homelessness with a pet.
- Gather and date evidence: tenancy agreement, notice letters, photos, vet records and any messages to the landlord or council.
- Submit the council’s homelessness application and attach supporting evidence; ask how to note that you have a pet and request pet-friendly accommodation.
- If the council refuses, ask for written reasons, request a review, and keep all correspondence.
- If you still need to challenge a decision about rehousing or eviction, complete the First-tier Tribunal application form and submit the evidence you collected.
Help and Support / Resources
- Scottish Government homelessness policy and local links
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – legislation.gov.uk
